Weekend Preview

Over a relatively quiet May Bank Holiday Weekend, Sunday’s Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup decider between holders Cork Constitution and Nenagh Ormond at Dooradoyle takes centre stage.

Cork Constitution, who have won the trophy 20 times, are also looking to record back-to-back triumphs for the first time since 1994 and 1995. The North Tipperary side have won the trophy on five occasions, with their last triumph in 2004.

The Leesiders recorded home wins over Garryowen, who last won the trophy in 2023 and Muskerry en route to this year’s decider. This was followed by away wins against Newcastle West and 2019 winners Highfield.

The North Tipperary side recorded away wins over Premier County neighbours Carrick-on-Suir and Killarney. This was followed by a comprehensive 80-10 home win over 1965 winners Old Christians. Nenagh Ormond defeated Kilfeacle, whose only triumph was in 2002, in the semi-finals at the West Tipperary venue 43-24 after extra time.

The only other final between these sides was in 2003, when the Lilywhites defeated Nenagh Ormond 23-13 at what was then Musgrave Park.
This is surprisingly Cork Constitution’s fourteenth time playing a final in Limerick to the thirty three (including replays) played in Cork.

The Junior Interprovincial Series continues this weekend.

Munster travel to the home of De la Salle Palmerston FC in Kilternan in South County Dublin, to take on Leinster on Saturday. Both sides go into the tie on the back of opening day defeats. Munster lost 40-34 to Ulster at Virgin Media Park, while Leinster were defeated 34-31 by Connacht at Ballyhaunis in East Mayo. Munster and Leinster both finished with two bonus points each, as they scored four tries in their respective defeats.

On Sunday, UL Bohemian, who lead Division 2 of the Munster Women’s League, entertain Thurles, who are third at Annacotty. The Limerick side put up 48 points without reply against Roaring Water Bay in their last game in Bantry, which saw them claim maximum points. Thurles ran out 40-6 home winners over Ballincollig in their last game in early March, to claim all points on offer. When UL Bohemian and Thurles met in the Premier County on the opening day of the campaign in November, the Limerick side recorded a comprehensive 58-5 bonus point victory.